Four jailed four attack (From Barry And District News)

Four jailed four attack

FOUR men have been jailed for a total of 27 years after they were found guilty of a serious assault in Barry.

Leigh Ballantyne, 21, of Aberaeron Close, Barry; Matthew John Gannon, 19, of Milton Street Aberdare; Richard McCauley, 21, whose address in Barry is not known; and Matthew Turner, 18, of Oakway, Cardiff, were convicted of attacking a young father after a night out on Barry Island.

The four had denied causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Ballantyne was sentenced to six years in custody and the other three were given seven year sentences.

The attack took place in Cannon Street where David Gee was left unconscious and with severe head injuries.

Cardiff Crown Court heard how the 25-year-old victim was celebrating the birth of his daughter when he got into an argument with the four defendants.

Police broke up the initial fight and gave Mr Gee a lift into Barry town centre. But it was revealed that the four found Mr Gee and began a brutal assault.

The court also heard that Mr Gee was hit on the head with a lump of rock and was then set upon by the gang.

After being attacked with bricks, feet and fists, the victim was left with terrible injuries. He was taken to hospital where scans revealed multiple fractures of the skull.

Judge Jonathon Durham Hall, QC, described the attack as horrendous and despicable, saying that they "showed no mercy" leaving their victim for dead.

Inspector Lewis, of Barry Police, said: "South Wales Police are committed to making the Vale of Glamorgan a safer, more pleasant place in which to live, work and visit. Violent behaviour will not be tolerated and criminals can expect to face severe penalties for this kind of behaviour."